Victorian Public Sector Pride Network

The Victorian Public Sector Pride Network celebrates workplace inclusion for all LGBTI employees and their allies.

The Network connects Victorian Public Sector LGBTI employees, and promotes all parts of the Victorian Public Sector as an employer of choice, decision-maker and service provider for LGBTI Victoria.

A public sector workforce that reflects the communities it serves can provide better insight into policy and program development and deliver improved service delivery outcomes for the community. All seven Departments and Victoria Police have joined Pride in Diversity - Australia's only national support program for LGBTI workplace inclusion.

For more information on the Victorian Public Sector Pride Network, or to find out more about whether there is a staff pride network at your organisation, email equality@dpc.vic.gov.au

Inclusive Language Guide

The Department of Premier and Cabinet has developed an Inclusive Language Guide to provide guidance to the Victorian Public Sector regarding appropriate language. Work towards the Government's equality agenda has highlighted the importance of using inclusive language. The Guide addresses issues including confusion about the acronym 'LGBTI' and the differences between sexual orientation, sex and gender identity. The document may be used by external organisations. It is important to note that this is a guide to be used by those working with and for LGBTI communities. People may have different views of what terminology is appropriate, e.g. some older community members may use the term 'transexual', whereas others may find this term inappropriate. In case of doubt, it is recommended to ask people what their preferred terms are.

The Inclusive Language Guide is available in a number of formats including:

IDAHOBIT Reception 2017

On 15 May 2017 Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria welcomed over 900 guests from diverse LGBTI and ally communities to Government House to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). This prestigious event was the first time that Government House has opened its doors to honour our diverse LGBTI communities on such a large scale. Guests of all ages, backgrounds and identities travelled from across Victoria to attend the reception. Learn more about the IDAHOBIT Reception at Government House.

Pride Centre

In the 2016/17 State budget, the Victorian Government pledged $15 million to the establishment of the first Pride Centre in Australia. The Centre will become a connecting hub for a range of LGBTI organisations. The Centre will offer health, legal and financial services that will promote the strength and resilience of LGBTI communities.

Same-Sex Adoption

The Victorian Parliament passed legislation December 2015 to allow same-sex couples to adopt in. The legislation has a default commencement date of 1 September 2016. Further information on how same sex couples can apply to adopt will be made available closer to this time.

Expungement Scheme

A new scheme was introduced in September 2015 to expunge historical convictions for homosexual activity that would not be a criminal offence today.

If you have a historical criminal conviction for homosexual activity that wouldn't be considered a crime today, you may be able to have your conviction cleared.

Safe Schools Coalition Resources

Victorian schools can continue to access Safe Schools Coalition resources on a new website created by the Victorian Government. The new web page includes the resources All of Us, OMG I'm Queer, OMG My Friend is Queer and Stand Out.

These will help schools create inclusive environments and challenge bullying of same-sex attracted, intersex and gender diverse students. Access the resources here.

Rainbow eQuality

Rainbow eQuality is a new online guide to support Victoria's LGBTI community better access the services they need by helping health and community services to be more inclusive.

It outlines standards that should be met when caring for LGBTI clients, understanding LGBTI health issues and best-practice examples of inclusive service delivery in Victoria.

Guide for Media Reporting on Gender Identity

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission has developed an easy-to-use gender identity reporting guide.